Escape To Dharamshala with the Kings XI

The one big dread of most Indian Premier League (IPL) enthusiasts is the sweltering conditions they must endure to enjoy watching their cricket heroes in the T20 version of the game. It’s OK for the sporty-greats to sweat buckets on-field but why must fans risk dehydration for the sake of the game? There’s one way to circumvent this, this summer, and it’s called the road to Dharamshala! That’s right; this year’s IPL will witness two matches at the hill-town’s picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) on May 16^th and May 18^th respectively. You could catch the Kings XI Punjab players fend off opponents Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the Mumbai Indians, on those two days. And you could do a lot more than that! 

The Cricket Agenda

So if you are getting into Dharamshala for the Kings XI Punjab matches, the HPCA Stadium is something else! Be prepared to catch reruns of these matches on the telly because that view is going to be a major distraction. The field is spread out like a green bowl with a backdrop of the majestic snow-capped Dhauladhars looming over everything else. At sundown, the snow peaks catch the crimson streaks of the sky, and by consequence the fielding-side could get sloppy! The main-wing of the recently-constructed stadium is influenced by Tibetan architecture as a nod to the local community. Located about 4,500 feet above sea-level, the stands here never get hot. The stadium should be packed to capacity, which is 23,000.

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala surrounded by magnificent views | Photo Credit: Pranav Bhasin

Beyond Cricket

Dharamshala attracts Indians and international tourists for its scenic beauty, proximity to historical spots in Kangra valley, and the star attraction – His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  Since the neighbouring village of McLeodganj is home to the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration, this is also his residence. The Dalai Lama usually graces IPL matches at the HPCA. Otherwise, he can be seen overseeing rituals at the Tsuglakhang, the main Buddhist temple.

Prayer wheels at the Tsuglakhang | Photo Credit: Pranav Bhasin

In Dharamshala, you haven’t lived if you’ve not dived into a plate of steaming momos! The Tibet Kitchen on Jogiwara Road is enormously popular. Not surprisingly, bakeries catering to European tourists are a rage. The Woeser Bakery, also on Jogiwara Road, does some mean brownies. The multi-cuisine restaurant in the Aveda Hotel, located within the HPCA, is the best place to toast the teams. The restaurant over-looks the playing-field, and several cricket high-rankers swarm it during matches.

The 17-room Aveda Hotel is also the best place to stay in. These suites are plush, and open-out on to the ground and peaks beyond. The Pema Thang Guest House on Mcleodganj’s Bhagsu Road is a more homely, mid-budget alternative. It’s located above the main bazaar and has views of wooded valleys. Mount View Hotel on the happening Jogiwara Road is a budget option. From here cafés, restaurants and hangouts are easily accessible.

How to Reach

You could fly to the Gaggal Airport in Kangra, about 14 kilometres away from Dharamshala, or take a train to the nearest railhead at Pathankot, and motor the remaining 95 kilometres. Dharamshala is a 520 kilometre journey from Delhi, by road. Whatever the mode of transportation, all roads lead to this hill town when things hot up at this year’s IPL!  So plan a trip to this beautiful town with MakeMyTrip to enjoy some good cricket and lovely sights too!